Crete Heraklion Airport Transfers 2026: Malia, Hersonissos & Elounda

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Heraklion Airport is the main gateway to Crete and one of the busiest Greek island airports in summer. Most popular UK resort destinations — Malia, Hersonissos, Stalida — are east of the airport along the northern coast. Elounda and Agios Nikolaos are further east, and Rethymnon is west. Transfer distances span 15 minutes to 90 minutes, so planning matters.

Your Options at Heraklion International Airport (HER)

🚐 Holiday Extras Transfer

From £10pp — Fixed-price, driver in arrivals. Covers all Crete north coast resorts plus Rethymnon and Chania connections.

🌍 TravelPayouts Partner

From £9pp — Good rates for east Crete — Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia — and boutique inland properties.

🚕 Licensed Taxi

From £12 — Metered. Malia ~£15–20, Hersonissos ~£18–25, Elounda ~£60–75. Night supplements apply.

🚌 KTEL Crete Bus

From £2.50 (€2.80) — Buses to Heraklion city centre (10 min). Not practical for most resort destinations.

🚌 Resort Coach (Package)

Included / £5pp — Standard on UK package holidays. Multiple stops — allow 45–75 minutes.

🚗 Hire Car

From £20/day — Crete is large and a hire car genuinely transforms the holiday.

Price Comparison Table

Option	Route	Price	Journey Time	Rating
Holiday Extras Transfer	HER → Malia	From £10pp	25–30 min	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holiday Extras Transfer	HER → Elounda	From £12pp	65–75 min	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TravelPayouts Partner	HER → Resort	From £9pp	Door to door	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Licensed Taxi	HER → Hersonissos	£18–25	20–25 min	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Licensed Taxi	HER → Elounda	£60–75	65–75 min	⭐⭐⭐
KTEL Bus	HER → City Centre	£2.50	10 min	⭐⭐⭐

🏆 Sento Golden Tip: Elounda is one of Crete's most exclusive resort areas but it's 70 km east and taxi fares reflect that. A pre-booked private transfer at roughly £12pp for a family of 4 is significantly cheaper than a metered taxi that can hit £70–75.

Terminal Guide: Heraklion International Airport (HER)

Heraklion Airport has a single terminal. Pre-booked transfer drivers meet you in the arrivals hall. The taxi rank is outside the main exit. KTEL bus stops are a short walk from the terminal.

Which Option Suits You?

👨‍👩‍👧 Families & Groups

Pre-booked private transfer. Fixed price, right vehicle, driver handles logistics.

💼 Business Travellers

Pre-booked transfer. Punctuality guaranteed, meet & greet, expense receipt.

🎒 Solo Travellers

KTEL bus to Heraklion city — cheapest option with light luggage.

🌙 Late-Night Arrivals

Pre-booked transfer. Avoid navigating unfamiliar transport after a long flight.

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Book Your Transfer — Partner Links

Pre-book with our trusted partners. Fixed prices, driver in arrivals, free cancellation.

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Holiday ExtrasTop Pick

UK's biggest transfer specialist. ABTA protected, 72hr free cancellation.

From £9ppVisit

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Welcome PickupsUK + Intl

353 destinations worldwide. Live flight tracking, 1hr free wait.

From £12Visit

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KiwiTaxiLong-haul

738 airports across 99 countries. Economy to luxury vehicles.

From £10Visit

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ViatoviaDirect

Direct partner. Best rates, fixed pricing, vetted drivers worldwide.

From £15Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Malia from Heraklion Airport?

About 30 km east — roughly 25–30 minutes by car or transfer.

How do I get from Heraklion Airport to Elounda?

Private transfer is most practical (65–75 minutes, from £12pp). Taxi runs £60–75. No direct bus service.

Does Holiday Extras cover Rethymnon from Heraklion Airport?

Yes — Rethymnon is about 75 km west, roughly 70–80 minutes. Holiday Extras covers this route.

Is there a bus from Heraklion Airport to Malia?

Not directly. KTEL buses go to Heraklion city centre — you'd change there for an onward service to Malia, adding significant time.

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Fixed prices · Driver in arrivals · Free cancellation

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Holiday Extras

ABTA protected · 72hr free cancellation

From £9ppBook

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Welcome Pickups

353 destinations · Live flight tracking

From £12Book

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Hoppa

182 countries · 40M+ customers · Mastercard / UnionPay

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KiwiTaxi

738 airports · 99 countries

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Referral done ✅ at no extra cost to you · Affiliate disclosure

Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated March 2026.